The everything fix it book

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THE EVERYTHING FIX-IT BOOK

Wallpaper Fixes Over time, the seams between sheets of wallpaper can lift up, bubbles in the surface can appear, and the paper itself can tear. If the damage is limited to a small area, try repairing it using a squeezable bottle of wallpaper glue (available at paint and wallpaper stores), or a glue syringe, and a small roller. However, the presence of many bubbles or lifted seams, or damage over a large area, probably requires stripping off the old wallpaper and either painting or repapering the walls, as it may indicate that the wallpaper adhesive has failed. How do I clean stains on wallpaper? Many types of wallpaper can be washed, but you should testwash an inconspicuous area first, and avoid soaking the paper. If your wallpaper can’t be washed, check for special wallpaper erasers at paint stores. They work well, particularly on small areas.

Regluing Wallpaper Seams Lift the loose edges of the wallpaper seam and run the nozzle of the glue bottle under them, leaving a bead of glue behind. Press the edges down into the glue using a small roller. Carefully remove any excess glue that has squeezed out of the seam with a damp sponge.

Removing Bubbles Cut a slit through the bubble with a utility knife, preferably following a straight line in the wallpaper pattern (this helps to hide the seam). Insert the glue nozzle or syringe under the paper, and squeeze a small amount of glue under the bubble area. Use a roller to carefully press the paper back down, working from the edges of the bubble toward the slit. Remove any excess glue that has squeezed out of the seam with a damp sponge.

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